Training - Republic of Singapore Air Force
The traditional concept of decentralised training became a feature of the past with the inauguration of Air Force School (AFS) in January 2001. Synergising basic air force training across the former vocational schools, it is here in AFS that young airmen embark on their preparation to become the next generation of professionals to serve in the RSAF.
In Singapore, where the pilot resource pool is scarce, aspiring pilots are groomed from their tender teenage years. Through affiliation with the Singapore Youth Flying Club, young apprentices are nurtured in the fundamentals of flying, and potential air force pilots will then be encouraged to enrol in the RSAF pilot training scheme with other aspiring individuals recently graduated from the polytechnics, junior colleges and pre-universities.
While basic training is sustainable within the confines of a tiny island, the shortage of training airspace and the erratic weather conditions are serious impediments to advanced flying training. Recognising these constraints, the RSAF ventured abroad, signing agreements to conduct operational training in nearly every corner of the globe. Today, the RSAF trains in many friendly countries across continents such as Australia, Brunei, Indonesia, France, Thailand and the USA.
Through participation in special training programs, such as the NATO Flying Training in Canada (NFTC), the learning curve of RSAF pilots is also accelerated by training alongside their more seasoned and combat-proven counterparts.
As for RSAF air defence artillery forces, the wider spectrum of aircraft capabilities encountered during joint exercises translates into an enhanced operational realism and more challenging target profiles. To a surface-to-air missile (SAM) operator, the climax of training resides in the launch of a missile, the glorious sensation of steering it into an airborne target, and the brilliant spectacle of its final detonation. In the absence of a firing range in Singapore, operational live firing for our air defence artillery weapons is conducted in South Africa and Australia.
However, training to become world class people is a never-ending process. Continual training for people comes in the form of various courses like the Tri-Service Course, the Advanced Officers' Course and the Command and Staff Course.
RSAF leases two overseas training areas from Australia for the instruction of its pilot trainees. The detachment in Tamworth, Australia, tests RSAF pilots at the Air Grading Centre. This is vital in the selection process as only candidates who show good air sense will be shortlisted for further flying training. Tamworth, approximately half-way between the cities of Sydney and Brisbane, provides an excellent flying environment, good training airspace and perfect weather for flying training. Ten RSAF Qualified Flying Instructors and their families have been based there since December 1999. From Tamworth, pilot trainees who show potential will continue their flying training in Pearce, Australia. Pearce was Flying Training School's first venture overseas, and has been under full deployment since 1995. The school runs five courses a year with approximately 16 students per course. All have benefited tremendously from the wide airspace available in Australia. Following their training in Pearce, Australia, pilots are streamed into their final phase of training before earning their wings and being recognised as pilots. They can be streamed into Transport-Wing training on the F-50 aircraft.
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